Question 1

What is Corten steel?

Accepted Answer

Corten steel is a high strength weathering steel that is corrosion resistant.

When exposed to the elements a stunning patina (rust) forms on the steel - the rust protects the steel from acidic environments, and it won't break down like regular steel. Rusty Corten not only looks fantastic it also ensures your art will last ....... & like good wine it just gets better with age!

Question 2

What does a new Corten sculpture look like, and how do I start the rust process?

Accepted Answer

New Corten steel arrives in its raw state - a clean, natural grey surface, the rust has not yet formed. This is a great option for online orders as it is much easier to ship without risk of scuffing the patina.

Once in your garden, you can let nature take its course or speed things up by misting with white vinegar or diluted seawater. The first real rainfall will make the most dramatic difference - you will notice the colour shifting almost overnight. Corten develops best with a good mix of sun and rain, typically producing a striking patina within weeks.

Watching your patina develop is genuinely exciting, every sculpture ends up with a unique surface that is entirely its own.

Question 3

Will Corten rust stain or leach onto my paving or garden surfaces?

Accepted Answer

There can be some initial leaching during the early rusting phase while the patina is forming. Once that layer has set, leaching becomes minimal.

To manage this during the initial period we recommend:
• Rusting up 3D pieces on garden soil, grass, or gravel rather than paving or stone
• Waiting until a solid patina has formed before mounting Corten pieces onto concrete or into stone bases
• The same applies to wall-mounted Corten art, allow the patina to develop first, then fix to the wall

Permeable surfaces like lawns and garden beds are ideal spots to start the rust process.

Question 4

Where can I see Grounded Art NZ work in person?

Accepted Answer

We have stockists across New Zealand. In Nelson, the Arty Nelson Gallery at 126 Trafalgar Street carries a selection of our work. For other regions, check our full NZ Stockists list, we have galleries and garden centres stocking our pieces across the country.

Question 5

Do you ship internationally? What is your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes,  we have shipped pieces to customers all over the world, including Australia, the UK, and across Europe. For international orders, please contact us directly and we will provide a shipping quote to your location.

For NZ orders, we currently offer free nationwide shipping for a limited time.

We offer a hassle-free returns and replacement policy, if you are not completely happy with what you receive, just get in touch and we will sort it out.

Question 6

Will my aluminium sculpture stay shiny?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Aluminium is one of the most durable materials you can have outdoors. It does not rust, does not corrode, and holds its appearance remarkably well over many years. We hand-sand a unique texture and pattern into every aluminium piece, creating a beautiful shimmer and sense of movement as light plays across the surface.

Over many years, gradual weathering may soften the effect slightly, but in most environments the finish lasts exceptionally well. We have aluminium pieces in our own garden that are over ten years old and still look fantastic.

Tip: carry your sculpture by the stems and threads rather than the face to keep the surface looking its best - aluminium is sensitive to grease and fingerprints.

Question 7

What will a clean Corten steel sculpture look like & how do I start the rust?

Accepted Answer

Starting with a clean Corten steel sculpture is a really good option if you are not based in Nelson as the sculpture will always transport better prior to any rust forming (reduces the risk of scuffing or marking in transit) and you also then get to see the patina develop before your very eyes!

You can help the rust by spraying it with white vinegar or seawater but the first rainfall will make the biggest impact and most noticeable & exciting change to the steel's appearance. Corten evolves best when exposed to plenty of sunshine and rain water.​

Watching the patina develop and evolve is a very cool part of the art so we highly recommend this option - you will have your own unique patina on your sculpture(s) within a matter of weeks.

Question 8

How do I install my spears and Raupo or wands?

Accepted Answer

Our spears and Raupo/wands are made with rods that are designed to either be pushed straight into soft earth or mounted into predrilled holes in harder surfaces such as wood, concrete and stone. We use 6mm rod for our Raupo and wands and 8mm rod for our spears & larger Raupo so recommend using a 0.5mm wider drill bit for your holes into hard surfaces.

Question 9

Can I commission a custom piece?

Accepted Answer

We welcome your enquiry if you have a specific idea in mind. We do focus primarily on our own designs and creations but always happy to look into custom ideas with you and if you require a tweak to the scale or size of any of our work.

Question 10

How do I choose the right size and quantity?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using the dimension info to check suitability of scale in your garden space. Allowing for any portion of the sculpture that may be below ground and how tall and established the surrounding landscape is.

Clusters of 3 and 5 are really effective for grouping spears, Raupo and wands. Gardeners often group plants in odd number clusters like this too which is a great way of creating drifts of texture and interest.

Question 11

Where to buy elegant metal garden art pieces in Nelson?

Accepted Answer

Check out the Grounded Art NZ range at Arty Nelson Gallery at 126 Trafalgar St, our longest-standing stockist and a beautiful gallery. Or buy from us direct off this website with Free shipping.

Question 12

Where can I find bold statement metal garden art in NZ

Accepted Answer

You’ve come to the right place, we handcraft bold statement metal garden art at Grounded Art NZ. We are Brendon and Jane Harley, a husband and wife team based in South Otago. We design and make every piece ourselves in our own workshop. Our sculptures are cut from Corten weathering steel, wire and aluminium, and we ship them nationwide across New Zealand. Statement garden art needs scale, presence and a material that holds up outdoors. That is why we feature Corten steel in our products. It is a heavy duty weathering steel that forms its own protective rust patina rather than breaking down like ordinary steel, so a piece placed in your garden today will still be there in twenty years, just richer in colour.Our larger contemporary pieces are made to be the first thing you see when you walk into a garden. Think tall sculptural forms against a hedge, a striking silhouette on a bare fence line, or a bold shape anchoring a gravel bed. We also make quieter, more elegant designs for people who want art that settles into the planting rather than commanding it.Every piece is designed and crafted by the two of us. You can order here online with nationwide courier delivery, find our work in selected New Zealand galleries and garden retailers on our stockists page.

GROUNDED ART NZ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions About Our Sculptures Answered

Frequently asked questions